Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia and How It Is Connected to Neck Health

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve pain disorder in which the person experiences pain in the face. It feels like an extreme burning or shock-like pain and often affects only one side of the face. It is mostly triggered by everyday activities such as:

Chewing

Washing the face

Smiling

Brushing the teeth

Putting on makeup

Sleeping on the side that the attacks occur on

These triggers are difficult to avoid, so it can be both frustrating and a source of anxiety for people who are anticipating the possibility of a sudden attack. The usual response of doctors is to prescribe medication, injections, or even surgery to combat this condition. While this does relieve the symptoms, it still leaves the root of the problem untended. This means that trigeminal neuralgia will most likely return in the future.

What Does the Neck Have to Do with Trigeminal Neuralgia?

The spine is responsible for surrounding the spinal cord protectively within the vertebrae. The spinal cord is the avenue by which messages from the body and brain travel. It is a vital part in the communication function of the central nervous system. The uppermost vertebrae of the neck, the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis), are essential to the health of the spinal cord, and any misalignment can put stress on the spinal cord, interrupting the signals that are being sent. This is one of the possible causes of trigeminal neuralgia.

Upper cervical chiropractors are specifically trained to locate misalignments in this area of the spine and to work with patients in order to correct them. Using gentle and precise adjustments, they can encourage the bones of the neck to return to their optimal position. Would this work for someone with trigeminal neuralgia?

A case study that observed a 58-year-old woman who was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and suffered with it for 6 years recorded a complete remission of her symptoms after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care for 9 weeks. These are incredible results, worth investigating for yourself if you suffer with this condition. Our clinic offers a free consultation to see how we can best meet your needs.